Divine way to find a great wave with your partner in tow

TAKING your girl on a surf trip may sound like a dangerous move for your relationship, especially if the waves are good; but a Maldivian boat operator has built a thriving business offering just that.

David Mesnard's luxury cruiser, the Ocean Divine, is a 115-foot, hand-made floating resort dedicated to epic surfing, fishing and diving while also catering to girlfriends and wives who don't surf.

The vessel features mahogany floors, hyacinth lounges, a wine cellar, day spa, luxurious fittings and two supporting boats - a 52-foot tender and a Zodiac dinghy.

Mesnard has built his business around ensuring he keeps the ladies happy.

While the boys go surfing, non-surfing girls can indulge in a range of treatments including a massage or facial at the day spa, or just soak up the sun on one of the day beds with a book and glass of French champagne or a cocktail.

Described by the publisher of Surfing World magazine, Doug Lees as "the best boat I have ever travelled on", you can be sure the Ocean Divine is one of the best in the Maldives.

The Ocean Divine caters for a maximum of 14 guests in seven climate-controlled staterooms, each with a queen-size bed, ensuite bathroom and plasma TV. Guests are served by 10 crew, including a gourmet chef and bar tender, a masseuse, accredited PADI dive instructor and for a limited time, professional surfer Micah Lester as your surf guide and coach.

From May 19 until July 21, Australian born Lester - sponsored by O'Neill, Globe, FCS, Gorilla Grip and Gunther Rohn surfboards - will offer surf coaching, including video analysis. And you couldn't pick a much better place to advance your surfing than the Maldives.

Managing director of surf travel specialist World Surfaris and veteran Maldives explorer Shaun Levings said the waves in the Male Atolls are as good as they got.

"The waves in the Maldives are user-friendly," Shaun said.

"Most breaks have mellow take-offs and fun whackable walls."

He described one wave as a "warm water J-bay" and added that a couple of breaks were more challenging for those wanting to go a step up.

While the waves may be epic, the Ocean Divine offers more than just surfing and Mesnard has done everything he can to ensure this is more than a surf trip.

"The Maldives is one of the most romantic destinations in the world and we offer more than just surfing world-class waves," Mesnard said.

"We supply diving and snorkelling equipment and stop off at land-based resorts where couples can stroll along deserted beaches."

The Maldives is consistently named as one of world's top five dive locations and you are likely to swim with manta rays, turtles and even whales.

With Mesnard being a certified dive instructor you can even get your PADI dive ticket while on board.

If you prefer to stay dry, the fishing in the Maldives is superb, or just chill out with your girl on a sun bed.

Seven nights on board the Ocean Divine is only $2772pp which includes all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, airport and surf transfers, controlled breathing course and the use of all facilities and equipment.

For an awesome group holiday, book the boat with seven couples and only pay for six couples.

Bookings for the Ocean Divine and other surf-orientated holidays can be made at worldsurfaris.com or by calling 1800 611 163